As we evolve throughout the generations, our ways of life are becoming more and more simple. Cars, technology and the internet have changed our lives immensely. However, one thing that is more common than ever, and absolutely inevitable, is stress. Thanks to our busy days that are piled up with work and school tasks, we are left feeling worn out almost every day. In order to preserve both our mental and physical health, it is of great importance that we make time for activities that bring us relief and relaxation.
A very common and popular way you can unwind is by using the benefits of the reputable essential oils. They have been around for quite some time and never failed to satisfy anyone who used them. Another great thing about them is that they can be used for other purposes as well, like for cooking, massages, detoxing and many more.
Ways You Can Use Essential Oils
Before actually getting into the world of aromatherapy, you first must be aware of the ways you can begin using essential oils. They can usually be inhaled, ingested, or applied directly onto the skin.
Inhalation
This is the best and easiest way you can experience the advantages that essential oils can offer. Still confused on how exactly can these products be inhaled? Well, here are some creative ideas.
A very convenient way you can inhale the calming scents of aromatherapy oils is by wearing diffuser bracelets and pendants. The good thing about this type of jewellery is that you just strap them on your wrist or hang them around your neck and you will get to experience the soothing effects all day long. Not to mention, they also look great and will complement your looks.
The way they work is by carrying a small leather padding inside of them on which you will be applying the drops of the preferred essential oil. And, that’s it! The simple use will allow you to benefit the calming or concentration-boosting effects all throughout your day. Other popular devices that people use for the purpose of inhaling these oils are the versatile diffusers. Now, there are several varieties you can pick from.
A common type is the ultrasonic diffuser. It works by letting out sound waves through water in order to break down the certain essential oils into a misty form. The waves come from the vibrations that the diffuser produces, and in the end we have a dispersion of tiny oil particles everywhere in the air.
This product makes an excellent choice because it is easy to use and clean, and it is also very quiet. The way you use them is by filling the water tank according to the instructions and then adding a couple of drops of the oils of your choosing. The only con would be that some might think that water ruins the effects of the oils or that it encourages the growth of mould.
Another kind you can go for is the heat diffuser. The name already gives away that this product uses the power of heat to bring the oils to a point where they evaporate into the air. Note that this diffuser works best if you user thicker oils, such as the calming sandalwood oil. The advantage of this type is that it is very affordable and makes almost no noise at all. You can pick from the electric type or ones that work through using candles. Keep in mind that too much heat might cause changes in the composition of the oils, thus ruining their effects and benefits.
The nebulizer has never failed to impress as well. It is a type of diffuser that does not need water or heat in order to break down the aromatherapy oils. Instead, it uses the force of air pressure to do so. They usually come with a pump that determines at what speed will the oils be dispersed into the air. This variety will allow you to get the most out of the health effects that the oils have to offer. The downside of this however is that it is quite a pricey option, and it will require you to put a bit of effort into cleaning it after use.
Topical Application
Another great way you can apply essential oils is by directly putting them onto your skin. You can do this with your hands, with a cotton pad or you can take a relaxing, aromatic bath with them.
Before using, it’s important that you know if the certain oils need to be further dispersed and broken down into water or if they can be directly applied with no problem. Some of them won’t need to be diluted, however there are types that might be too harsh on your skin, so be careful. Let’s not forget to mention that an allergy test is absolutely mandatory here too.
You can do this by applying the product and then massaging that specified area for a couple of minutes. A good tip that will make you calm down even more is if you massage certain areas that can help release tension quicker. For instance, you can apply pressure on your forehead, temples or even the roof of your mouth and see the effects by yourself.
Ingestion
Lastly, you can benefit from the effects of these oils by simply ingesting them. A rule that applies here as well is to also make sure that the specific oils are actually safe to use internally and that they won’t cause you to have any kind of allergic reactions. The easiest ways you can ingest them are by:
- Adding the oils to a glass of water or beverage of your choice.
- Including them into your diet through meals by using them as cooking oils or as spices and toppings.
- Taking them in capsule form.
- Putting a drop of the oil right under your tongue.
Different Types of Aromatherapy Oils and Their Benefits
Let’s dive into the important questions: What do aromatherapy oils do? And, what are the main types of oils? Here’s a quick list to help put things into perspective:
- Chamomile – Ideal for treating nausea and headaches. Has impressive calming effects.
- Peppermint Oil – Has a significant ‘cooling’ effect that leaves you feeling energized, boosts your mood and speeds up muscle healing.
- Lavender – Speeds up skin healing, lifts the mood, improves sleep.
- Lemon Oil – Perfect for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Helps alleviate pain.
- Cedarwood – Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Promotes skin healing and hair growth as well.
- Rosemary – Boosts brain function, helps relieve stress, increases circulation.
- Tea Tree Oil – Known for aiding in wound healing, excellent as an anti-septic. Repels insects effortlessly.
Conclusion
Overall, we are not able to function without giving our bodies and minds the much-needed rest. The least we can do is make time for relaxing at least once a week, and I promise you will start to feel much better. So, when you are ready, be sure to grab your favourite oils, wrap yourself in a cosy bamboo blanket and turn on some soothing music. You will be saying goodbye to stress in no time!
